The Life and Artistic Journey of Hendra Gunawan
Born in Bandung, West Java, in the Dutch East Indies, Hendra Gunawan was the son of Raden Prawiradilaga and Raden Odah Tejaningsih. After running away from home to pursue the arts, he worked as a healer and freelance painter before meeting Affandi, who inspired him to focus on his craft. During the Japanese occupation, he gained prominence and later participated in the Indonesian National Revolution with the Pelukis Front, capturing the realities of the battlefield. His work eventually earned him a solo exhibition sponsored by President Sukarno in 1946.
Hendra's career was marked by significant political involvement. He co-established the Pelukis Rakjat artist collective and was a member of the Institute for People's Culture (LEKRA). Due to his political affiliations, he was arrested in December 1965 and held at Kebon Waru Prison for almost thirteen years without trial. Following his release in 1978, he faced health challenges and moved to Bali, where he eventually passed away in 1983.
Style and Subject Matter
Hendra Gunawan's artistic style evolved from early realism toward an increasingly impressionist approach. His works are characterized by:
His subject matter often drew from wayang (shadow puppetry), Balinese culture, and scenes of people at work, in play, or in struggle. While landscapes are rare in his oeuvre, his paintings frequently depicted the human condition, from burdened women traveling roads to historical scenes of conflict.
Questions & Answers
How many artworks by Hendra Gunawan are available to browse?
You can browse 55 artworks by Hendra Gunawan on the All Artworks page.
Where can I see all artworks by Hendra Gunawan?
Every work by Hendra Gunawan on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
Where can I see Hendra Gunawan's artworks in chronological order?
The artist's Artwork Timeline page presents Hendra Gunawan's works ordered by date, year by year.
Can I browse Hendra Gunawan's works by color palette?
The By Palettes page groups Hendra Gunawan's artworks by their color palettes.
